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Tigers' Path to the Postseason: Sept. 17, 2012

Tigers' Path to the Postseason: Sept. 17, 2012

9/16/12: Miguel Cabrera crushes a three-run home run to deep left field, giving the Tigers a 6-5 advantage in the top of the seventh inning

By Zack Meisel
/
MLB.com |

CLEVELAND -- After riding a roller-coaster of emotions on Sunday afternoon, the Tigers fell short in their attempt at a three-game sweep of the Indians at Progressive Field.

The 7-6 loss moved the Tigers two games behind the division-leading White Sox, who topped the Twins, 9-2, on Sunday. Detroit sits 4 1/2 games out of the second Wild Card position in the American League. Detroit recovered from an 0-4 start and wrapped up what was supposed to be a 10-game road trip with a 4-5 mark. They will make up Thursday's rainout against the White Sox on Monday afternoon at U.S. Cellular Field.

Following the pit stop in Chicago, the Tigers return home for their final homestand of the season, a 10-game stay against the Athletics, Twins and Royals.

Magic numbers
To calculate a team's magic number, take the number of games it has remaining and add one. Then subtract the difference in the number of losses between that team and its closest pursuer.

Tiebreaker scenarios
A tiebreaker game will be played to determine a division winner, even if the tied clubs are assured of participating in the postseason. If a division championship tiebreaker is necessary, the head-to-head record between the clubs will determine home-field advantage. If the head-to-head record is tied, then the division record will be the next tiebreaker.

If two clubs are tied for the two Wild Card berths, home-field advantage will be determined by the head-to-head record between the clubs. If the head-to-head record is tied, then the division record will be the next tiebreaker.